The government has launched new online information designed to help renters and landlords know their rights.

The rental guides, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, also include checklists for new and existing tenants, landlords and letting agents.

These guides, produced in partnership with landlord, tenant and letting and managing agent groups, professional bodies and local housing authorities, form a key part of government’s continuing crackdown on poor practice by a minority of landlords and agents in the private rented and leasehold sectors, in a bid to drive up living standards in the sector.

This new guide will help private landlords learn more about their key legal responsibilities and best practice when letting a property, including how to protect tenancy deposits, carry out gas safety checks and install smoke and carbon dioxide alarms.

Housing minister Heather Wheeler said: “Every day across the country thousands of people move house – from young people leaving home for the first time, to those relocating after years in the same property.

“Whatever the circumstance, we want to ensure renters, landlords and leaseholders are armed with information so they know their rights, responsibilities and can challenge poor behaviour.

“The guides will be reviewed in light of any new legislation to ensure tenants, landlords and leaseholders are supplied with up-to-date information.”

The ‘how to’ series comprises a ‘how to let’ guide, ‘how to lease’ guide, ‘how to rent a safe home’ guide, and a ‘how to rent’ guide.